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Peter Grünberg Institute (PGI)

The Peter Grünberg Institute (PGI) is the central platform for basic research in the area of nanoelectronics, combining research, technological development and innovative device concepts. Information technology, which is based on electron charges as information media, is currently reaching its limits.

The search for alternatives includes research on the magnetic properties of electrons in order to exploit their spin as information units (spin electronics). Investigations are also under way to explore how biomolecules or quantum effects can be used for information processing.

Strong basic research in solid-state physics and the materials sciences is paving the way for discovering and using innovative electronic phenomena, methods and materials. On this basis, at PGI innovative device concepts and production processes are developed that may also be effective in other areas. A facility for new gate materials and for strained silicon aims to manufacture smaller and more powerful transistors for low-energy mobile devices such as notebooks or mobile phones.

In future, PGI will operate the Helmholtz Nanoelectronic Facility (HNF), a state-of-the-art clean-room centre in which materials, processes and structures in the nanometre range are developed for the next generation of semiconductors in the chips of the future.

PGI is integrated in the FIT section of the Jülich Aachen Research Alliance (JARA), a cooperation arrangement between Forschungszentrum Jülich and RWTH Aachen University.